Alva Review-Courier -

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin-Madison's student leaders have passed a resolution demanding Chancellor Rebecca Blank and UW System President Ray Cross declare system schools sanctuary campuses for students who are living in the country illegally, saying they're worried President-elect Donald Trump will try to deport them.

The Associated Students of Madison student council passed the resolution Wednesday. It calls on Blank and Cross to issue the declaration before President-elect Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.

The resolution states that such a declaration would mean campuses wouldn't release information to federal immigration authorities on deportation issues, federal authorities would be barred from visiting campuses to arrest students who entered the country illegally as minors, and campus police would be prohibited from working with federal immigration authorities.

"Undocumented students should not be dismissed or looked over at a university that strives to promote diversity, equality and opportunity for all," the resolution's sponsor, Janelle Perez, said in a news release. "They are currently living in fear for their future, and wonder if they can continue their education."

UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said in an email to The Associated Press that Blank lacks the authority to declare the campus a sanctuary and she must run the school within the limits of federal and state law.

He added, however, that campus police don't routinely gather information about citizenship or immigration status from people officers encounter and there aren't any plans to change that. He also pointed out that Blank and more than 400 other higher education officials have signed a statement calling to continue President Barack Obama's policy of deferring deportation action against immigrants who entered the country illegally as minors.

UW System spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis said in an email that Cross was traveling Thursday and Friday but included a statement saying immigration policy is important to higher education and system leaders will be watching federal actions closely.